Play vs. Technology: Articles

Play vs. Technology: Resources

Imagination and Play in the Electronic Age Dorothy G. Singer and Jerome L. Singer: Television, video games, and computers are easily accessible to twenty-first-century children, but what impact do they have on creativity and imagination? In this book, two wise and long-admired observers of children's make-believe look at the cognitive and moral potential--and concern--created by electronic media.

Einstein Never Used Flashcards Kathy Hirsch-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff: Reassuring to parents and educators, Einstein Never Used Flash Cards shows why -- and how -- to step away from the cult of achievement and toward a more nurturing home life full of imaginative play and love of learning. It's okay to play! In fact, it's more than just okay -- it's better than drilling academics. After decades of research, scientists and child development experts have come to a clear conclusion: Play is the best way for our children to learn.

The Flickering Mind Todd Oppenheimer: “…. humane and smart, with the authority that only comes from lots of patient reporting. For those who care about children, this is an important—and impressively sensible—guide to what has gone wrong with schools and how we can put matters right, if parents and educators can get free of inflated promises."
—William Greider, National Book Award nominee and author

To Play or Not To Play; is it really a Question? Christine Jeandheur Ferguson and Ernest Dettore, Jr., Editors: During a time in our education system when play is being assaulted on many fronts, we find a climate of peril; play is in danger. Once commonplace in classrooms, it is now found only outside the classroom, and even there it is decreasing as the concept of recess is curtailed. Where is the place for play?

Bringing up Brainy: A look at the educational toy market (4 Related Articles) Erica Johnson: Unlike things like building blocks, which can be stacked, knocked down, chewed on and used to build things, many 'educational toys' can only be played with one way. They are not “open-ended,” which means they only have one use and rely on simple repetition and imitation.

The Role of Technology in Early Childhood Programs Francis Wardle, Ph.D.: We are always looking for the magic bullet, something that will solve all our problems. And, today this magic bullet for education is technology. It will solve all our problems! It will increase academic skills, reduce dropout rates, eliminate the racial divide in academic performance, and increase SAT scores. And it will make the lives of teachers easier. Well, it may not accomplish all of these goals, but educational technology does have a place in early childhood. Right?

Children Are Born To Be Outside and Wild - Not Stuck Inside and Mild By Amy Sussna Klein: Look around. Do you notice that children aren’t looking as fit as they used to look? Have you heard “I’m bored” come out of anyone lately? How well do teachers really KNOW the children in their classroom? What about society, in general: do we seem relaxed or tense? It may seem impossible that one simple change in how we take care of our children might help with all of these problems.

Computers Bad for Kids Russell Mokhiber and Robert Weissman: Research shows that far better than sticking kids in front of computers is putting them with caring adults, engaging them in creative play, outdoor experiences with nature, the arts, and hands-on learning of all kinds. There they sit in front of their glaring screens, playing video games, sipping on sugar and water (Coke or Pepsi?) and eating junk food. Is it any wonder that this generation of children is the most sedentary in U.S. history?

Alliance for Childhood: Promotes policies and practices that support children’s healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living. Our public education campaigns bring to light both the promise and the vulnerability of childhood. We act for the sake of the children themselves and for a more just, democratic, and ecologically responsible future.

VideoGameTrouble.Org: Educates parents, teachers and spouses on the risk and prevention of video game addiction and encourages healthy alternatives.

Playing for Keeps: Playing for Keeps is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving outcomes and the quality of life for all children by promoting healthy, constructive play. A great way to get connected with other people and organizations who want to make “play” a mainstay of early childhood education.

Dimensions Educational Research Foundation: The mission of the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is to inspire children, families and educators to connect more deeply with the world around them. We study how children develop visual-spatial skills and how families and educators can best support this important learning.

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